Timing is everything, depending on your perspective. For example, my birthday is Jan. 13. That means there is one, at best two paychecks between the big gift giving holiday season and my personal little gift getting holiday.
As a child, this sucked. I have a very distinct, yet vague, memory of my mother trying to explain to me that they wanted me to have a special Christmas and with my birthday being so close, I shouldn’t expect much come Jan. 13.
God love her for trying, but the little kid in me couldn’t wrap his brain around that concept. In retrospect I can’t tell you whether the gifts on my birthday were less than they would have been if my birthday was any other time, but in my version of history that was the case.
The older I got the more I understood the struggle, the more I appreciated what my parents had done to make both the holidays and my birthday something special for me. Now I see it all as an opportunity. If I didn’t get something I wanted, or forgot something I wanted to do for Christmas, then I get the chance to do it for my birthday. My perspective changed.
Now, if I felt jaded about my birthday, I can’t imagine how my mom feels about hers. She was born on June 26. I know what day her birthday is, I just don’t always realize it on the actual day. My whole family has been notorious for messing up her birthday, always. I remember years ago I came home from work and the answering machine light was on – to give you some insight to how long ago this was and how old I am now. I clicked play and heard a message from my oldest brother wishing my mom a happy birthday.
I was surprised because I hadn’t yet made the connection that today was June 26 and that meant it was indeed her birthday. In a panic I deleted the message from my brother and took my mom out to an amazing birthday dinner. I did eventually confess my transgressions to my brother and thanked him for the reminder. He got a good laugh out of it.
Since taking the job at Watermark, I have not been able to participate in her annual celebration because I inevitably have to work at a pride event. I am certainly not blaming pride, just maybe my perspective on my choices. I would usually err on the side of drinking my way through pride. When I got sober it was simply celebrating throughout the weekend. My mom seems to take it all in stride. Certainly, she handles it better than that whiny younger me that wanted more toys every Jan. 13.
This year it all feels different. Not too long ago I was talking to my mom on the phone. It’s my M.O. to use the time I spend driving between Central Florida and Tampa Bay to catch up with her. On this particular call I was giving commentary on everyone’s driving skills or lack thereof. My mom simply said, “I use to run around all the time like I was in a hurry to get somewhere. Now I just slow down and enjoy the ride.” She set off a light bulb in my mind. Perhaps it’s more important for me to put the brakes on and spend more time with the most important woman in my life. This year I will be celebrating the life of the mother who always makes my birthdays special, the woman who always gave me the last scoop of ice cream and with the friend who always has a way of putting life in perspective. So keep your phone on, Ma. When my booth shift at St Pete Pride ends, I’ll be calling you on my way to Orlando for your 75th birthday dinner. Happy Birthday!
I want to celebrate someone else today, Kathleen Sadler. If you follow Watermark closely, you will know that Kathleen is Watermark’s Business Manager. She recently hit the seven-year milestone with us, but this issue will be her last. Kathleen and her husband recently welcomed their first child into the world and Kathleen will be spending her time with her newborn baby.
It is a bittersweet moment for the paper. It has been an amazing journey and we are so full of joy to see Kathleen grow into a wonderful mother. When a new employee asks what they can do to be successful at Watermark, I jokingly reply, “It’s simple. Just learn to read my mind.” No one has been better at this than Kathleen. She has been my right hand, my confidant and at times my teacher for many years and I will miss her daily input into our little production here. As sad as I may be to see her leave, I am more excited for the person her baby will become having Kathleen as their mother.
We strive to bring you a variety of stories, your stories. I hope you enjoy this latest issue.
